The son of two professional tennis players, 24 year-old, 6’5” Taylor Fritz, who attended Torrey Pines High School and now lives in Rancho Palace Verdes, CA, was a heavy underdog going into the men’s finals singles match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Sunday, March 20, 2022 against legendary Rafael Nadal. 

Despite severe ankle pain, Fritz upset the popular 35-year old Spaniard who had won 20 consecutive matches coming into the BNP and was ranked #3 in the world.  Fritz collected $1.2 million for his victory and also became the first American to win the BNP Paribas Open since 2001 when Andre Agassi won the event. 

Over 16,000 tennis fans were on hand to watch Fritz’s stunning victory, his first ATP victory over Nadal, who has 91 ATP victories, in a match that lasted two hours and six minutes.  As confetti filled the air, Fritz gave an emotional address to the crowd of fans, friends, and family.  He later gave interviews to the media and autographed caps, balls, and signage for the fans. 

Fritz’s victory at the 2022 BNP Paribas Open increased his ATP world ranking from #20 before beating Nadal to #13 after his victory.  Fritz also beat three top 15 players on his way to the semifinals.  As a young boy, Fritz often visited the Indian Wells Tennis Garden with his father who told young Fritz that one day he would win there.